It’s funny because I remember preparing for our first flight last year. I was (almost) terrified. 5 hours in one seat! Lexi had NEVER been able to sit still. Long car trips could be a nightmare, but at least you can stop. I had no idea what to expect. I was hoping she’d sleep, but that usually lasts an hour. We could read books for an hour. Then maybe iPad/iPhone for an hour. But then what on earth could you do in an airplane cabin for another 2 hours?

Before time gets away from me, I wanted to write a bit about how we spent Christmas last year. We had planned to get away somewhere cold and snowy for the first time, but after our West Coast Travels in October and the overwhelming amount of work for the holidays, we just couldn’t fathom planning another trip. So staying close to home is what we decided to do. We visited ICE exhibit ( later on that) and went to Legoland Florida on Christmas Day. I couldn’t believe how not busy it was, considering Disney is packed during those times, so it was a nice change for us. This was our first visit to Legoland and I honestly didn’t see how it would be good for a almost three year old who doesn’t know what Lego is.

To my surprise, it had more attractions for her age/height than the other parks we frequent. My husband, of course, LOOOOVED everything about Legoland. It was like being a kid for him again and he thought that he should definitely come back, which we will later on this year.

It was our first time at Mickey’s Halloween Party with Lexi. The one and only time we had been to one was with our friends years before we had Lexi and it was an interesting expereince. This time we were excited to see how different it would be now that we are parents.

It was certainly different. :)

First of all, the 7 pm start time was suddenly a challenge, especially on those days without a nap. We did all we could to get Lexi to nap but she was just WAY to excited to be in Orlando to relax. So she stayed up full of energy until we were all dressed and got into the Disney bus. We made quite a spectacle while walking through the lobby to get to the Disney bus stop. People were stopping to look at us, children were running up. One family “chased” us all the way to the bus station and shyly asked if their toddler could say hi to me because she was convinced I was Anna.

It was actually kind of nice to “pretend” to be a princess for someone. She was absolutely smitten. It was so sweet.

So obviously, our Halloween costumes were Frozen themed. Obviously because what girl doesn’t want to dress up like Elsa for Halloween? And what parent doesn’t want to be their children’s supporting cast in the fantasy of being their favorite character? After repeatedly asking Alexis what she wants to be for Halloween, we have surrendered to the standard and typical answer of many 2 year olds. ELSA!

So 2 weeks before our Mickey’s No-So-Scary Halloween party, we went in search of family Halloween costumes. Surprisingly, no one was offering Kristoff costumes aside from really expensive and not-so-good-looking etsy options. Eventually, we found all of our costumes on DHgate.com (directly from China, ya’ll), which is where we will be ordering all our costumes from now on. Custom made to size ( a must when you’re 5’11” and 6’4″), great quality, acceptable pricing. My skirt fit perfectly and the length was ideal, which is hard to get. My only complaint is for some reason they thought the front of the shirt needed to have some room which made for a pretty uncomfortable and awkward top, but that didn’t stop from the whole toddler population of Magic Kingdom to be convinced that I am princess Anna ( on that in the next post).

I put these together when inspiration strikes, when I feel like I need a little bit more beauty in the moment, when I want reminisce, when I am down, when I am lazy and don’t want to write a long post, when it’s late and that’s all I have the energy for, when it’s something I’ve been meaning to share for a while. There are many reasons for me to work on a post that lacks words and instead appeals to the visual person in me.

This photo post is from the time when Lexi just turned 2. It was shortly after her birthday that we decided to take a trip to one of the most beautiful places I’ve been to, Bok Tower and Gardens in Central Florida. It’s a truly unique place in Florida and I’ve always wanted to bring Lexi back here, the place where her dad and I took our anniversary photos shortly before we decided to get pregnant.

Brian and Kristy came with us, so it was extra special to have both Lexitwins in this place. The photos really speak for themselves, but I will add a few comments here and there under some of the photos.

I am back. Two weeks of traveling is no joke. But now we are home, left to dig out from the pile of housework and workwork.

I can say one thing: it was a trip of a lifetime. I cannot imagine it getting any better than what we just experienced in 2 weeks. The variety of climates, locations, experiences and activities was astonishing.

Almost exactly a year ago we took our first cross country trip since Lexi was born to attend a trade show. It was nerve racking for many reasons and looking back I have a mix of emotions about it.

Going into it, we had no idea how it was going to work. We had never done anything like that with Lexi and her reaction could not have been guessed.

On one hand I was excited to fly with her for the first time, to show her the sights, to experience it with her for the first time. One of my most favorite things about have a child is seeing the world through their eyes and finding things that brings them joy. At the same time, I was completely lost at the idea of how she would tolerate a 5 hour non-stop flight considering we just barely got a handle on 3 hour car rides. We were also getting into what I consider the most challenging age (18-24 months), so it was a complete shot in the dark for us. Not knowing whether I’d be able to be away for most of the day when she normally doesn’t let me out of her sight, not knowing how she will tolerate the flight, and airport waiting times and waking up early to catch the flights…

#justescape was the hashtag of our South Seas, Captiva trip and I can certainly say that is what we did.

We just escaped.

Looking at the photos, it is almost as if I have temporary amnesia from our stay there. I don’t even remember and can’t imagine being in that beauty.

I guess it’s normal because I feel that way every time I step onto the beaches here in Florida. But one thing I do know is how much I wish I could be there again. Taking photos, enjoying the sunshine, the food, the view. Not a care in the world.

The next day after our arrival,packed with more experiences, was no less full and exciting. After a nice relaxed breakfast buffet at the marina with gorgeous views of gleaming white cottages and blooming bougainvillea, we set off for the beach. What gorgeous beaches Captiva has!